Recommendations for Bait Caster

I've always used my grandpa's baitcaster rigs, but I'd like to buy one of my own and start my own gear collection. I mostly want to use it shiner fishing for bass and bottom fishing for catfish. I would also like to use it for crankbaits and crappie jigs. My grandpa's rigs are old from the 1980's and the 1990's, so he didn't have any recommendations for modern gear.

I dug around, and it's a little overwhelming on choices.

I'd like to spend less than $200 on the rod and reel, if possible.

Anyone have some recommendations, tips, or advice? Feeling a bit lost on bass pro.com.

 

Glad I'm not the only one lost when I look online for shit like that

 

I'm not even going into the spinners yet...

 

I haven't bought a baitcaster in uears but ive always had good luck with Shimano.

Never heard of using a baitcaster for crappie as those baits tend to be too light to cast with. Most use spin gear for bream and crappie.

 

It's tough to pick a single baitcaster that would do all of those things well.

I like Abu Garcia round (6000) baitcasters for catfishing and other big bait fishing

I have a Revo that I like for throwing medium sized baits.

For everything else I use spinning gear.

Good luck with your search!

 

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Abu...uM1-ggs5XJAwd5ezIO4WUcPi0c6GCKsYaAt0UEALw_wcB

Here's the Revo that I use. It probably won't be good for throwing small jigs, but not many baitcasters would be.

I realize that doesn't leave much budget for a rod, but I tend to buy cheaper rods since I seem to always break expensive ones.

 

That looks kinda awesome. If I get it, I'll name it the BatCaster...

ETA: What rod would you recommend?

 

I have to admit: the color may have contributed to my decision to buy it

 

I would just get one of the combos from BPS with the Pro Qualifier reel. Different rods needed for catfish and crappie. Crappie would be a ML rod and cats a MH rod.

 

Found this one at Bass Pro. Not the same model but looks like a scaled back version. Does it seem similar enough to yours as far as functionality goes?

https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/abu-garcia-revo-x-baitcast-reel

 

Shimano Curado, amazing reel. I have 4 of them. Bought them for about $180 each at academy

 

Looks really nice. Brass gears, carbon drag, alloy frame. I would give it a shot if I was in the market.

Also, Matmo mentioned Shimano. There's a lot of diehard Shimano guys out there. You probably couldn't go wrong with any of their products, either.

 

I've heard very good things about Shimano also. Looks like most are at the high end of what I have available to spend, unfortunately.

 

Yeah they’re pricey, but you definitely get what you pay for at the end of the day

 

There's definitely truth to that. I would say especially in the compact baitcaster market.

That Revo X looks like an excellent value. $100 is about as inexpensive as it gets for a worthwhile baitcaster. It depends on your use, though.

I have a $50 Silvermax that I don't use regularly, but it does have it's uses. It's definitely not sufficient for casting lighter baits.

 

OP, also check out Daiwa reels, they’re super smooth and cast far. They’re reasonably priced

 

Will do. Thanks!

 

What about rods? Brands to avoid? Brands to look for?

 

The Johnny Morris combos are great pricy but have served me well.

 

I've got at Abu Garcia Black Max, One 3 Origin A and a Quantum Team KVD.

All really inexpensive. I love the black max and one 3 both are easy to use except the one 3s brake ist easily accessible.

The quantum casts like crap unless you have braid on it. I'm relatively new to baitcasters but those two I recommend for well under 200. I love em